Manchester City watched a third defender limp off injured during the international break as John Stones pulled up early in England’s friendly against Belgium on Tuesday.
England were already without Kyle Walker, who suffered a hamstring problem during last week’s defeat to Belgium, as Stones appeared to tweak a muscle when he slipped on the rain-sodden Wembley turf.
The March international break has not been kind to City who, in between the injuries to the England stars, also watched Swiss centre-back Manuel Akanji pick up a knock which kept him out of the squad to face the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.
Manager Pep Guardiola will be sweating as City face Arsenal on March 31 in what could be a decisive fixture in the Premier League title race, and he may have to tackle the game without three first-choice defenders.
Ederson, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne all missed out on call-ups because of fitness issues, while striker Erling Haaland picked up a knock in Norway training which ultimately ended up not being an issue.
De Bruyne and Grealish have been pictured in training this week but just how many of their returning international teammates will be able to join them when they report back on Thursday remains to be seen.
Sky Sports report that Walker’s hamstring injury is not a serious one, with City officials understood to be hopeful that the veteran right-back will be fit and ready to face Arsenal on Sunday.
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